South now sit 11 points clear of the top-six cut-off with three rounds remaining, their 10-0 demolition of La Trobe University at McEwen Reserve securing back-to-back finals appearances for the black and white.
Alexis Pearson struck a hat-trick and Teagan Kelly a brace for South’s seventh win of the campaign, and after progressing to last year’s semi-final the side looks to be hitting their straps at the right stage of the campaign with three wins from their past four encounters.
“They’re playing as a team which is pleasing to see,” South coach Jean-Claude Guica said.
“It makes it easy on the field because it can become a big space to cover - a combined effort shrinks the ground down to our advantage.”
Garcia credits the team’s “spine” as one of the key factors behind their recent purple patch, one only disrupted by a one-nil defeat to Shepparton United last start.
But there’s no doubt in the South gaffer’s mind – it takes a whole squad.
“Teagan (Kelly) has been quite a standout at centre back,” he said.
“The midfield has shone with Samantha Nardella, the strikers up front with Samantha Comline, the spine has been pretty good.
“But the focus will remain the same as every week - turn up for each other, play sensible football, and approach each game on its merits.”
Shepparton United also continued its march to the post-season with a 6-0 defeat of Eaglehawk.
Already a lock for finals, the Loverso sisters tipped in five of the half dozen, with Sarah and Olivia Loverso each finding the back of the net twice, while Ella Loverso and Maria Villani rounded out the scorers.
The Blues sit third and only two points behind Castlemaine-Goldfields.
Meanwhile, the race for sixth spot is heating up after Tatura’s two-nil defeat to Kyneton.
The Ibises were drawn back to a one-point buffer in the last finals spot as the Rangers sank a goal either side of half-time in Kyneton, a result they’ll aim to rectify against ladder leaders Spring Gully in round 16.
The Gully will be on the rebound as well after suffering their first loss of the season to Castlemaine-Goldfields.
In the top-division men’s competition, an Ethan Brooker hat trick propelled Shepaprton South to a 6-0 win over La Trobe, while Tatura dropped points to Epsom in a 2-2 draw at McEwen Reserve.
Shepparton United kept its spot atop the standings with a win over Eaglehawk.
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